Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device, information processing method and program capable of stirring a desire to play a game and a desire to bet on the results of a contest.　This information processing device has: a value assignment unit for assigning a first value to a user who has bet on the results of a contest; and a benefit assignment unit for assigning to the user a benefit which can be used in a game by consuming the first value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a system that awards points to a voter who predicts and bets on the outcome of a race such as a horse race, a boat race, a bicycle race, or an auto race, if the prediction turns out to be incorrect.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a point-giving device that calculates the degree of close loss when a vote is missed, and gives points to a voter according to the degree of close loss. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-117947 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a situation where an Internet communication service is provided that allows users to enjoy playing games separate from competitions, it is necessary to stimulate both voters' desire to play the game and game users' desire to vote for the results of the competition through the awarding of points.

[0006] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can stimulate motivation to play a game and motivation to vote on the results of a competition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a value granting unit that grants a first value to a user who has voted on the outcome of a competition, and a reward granting unit that grants the user a reward that can be used in a game other than the competition by consuming the first value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first value is provided to a user as an added value of voting for the result of a competition, and the provided first value is consumed to provide a benefit that can be used in the game. This can stimulate motivation to play the game and to vote for the result of the competition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a point management system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device, a terminal, and a public racing server according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functions of a point management server constituting an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information data. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of point information data. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of bonus information data. [Figure 8] 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of a game management server constituting an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information data. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of game progression data. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functions of a public racing server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a point giving process. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a benefit providing process. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lottery process. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a specific game control process. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a notification process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Naturally, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0011] <Outline of the Points Management System S> 1 (hereinafter, referred to as the point management system S) is an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, that is, a communication system including a point management server 30 and a game management server 40. The point management system S awards points to users U who have predicted the results of a competition and placed votes, as well as benefits that can be obtained by spending those points and used in the game.

[0012] A competition is different from a game, which will be described later, and is a competition in which players compete for superiority in skills or abilities according to certain rules. For example, competitions include public competitions such as horse racing, boat racing, bicycle racing, and auto racing, which are actually held by public institutions as gambling. A user U can predict the result of a competition (the result of the race, such as the finishing order of the racers) based on the competition information, and can vote for the result of the competition by purchasing a horse racing ticket, a boat ticket, or a car ticket using a third value that can be used for voting. If the vote based on the user U's prediction is correct, the user U can obtain a dividend (a payout for a hit) calculated based on the amount of the third value cast in the vote and the odds, and the amount of the third value held by the user U increases. On the other hand, if the vote based on the user U's prediction is incorrect, the user U loses the amount of the third value cast in the vote, and the amount of the third value held by the user U decreases. The third value may be any medium that can be used for voting, and includes, for example, the value of currency (money) or a dedicated medal.

[0013] In the following, in this embodiment, a publicly managed race will be assumed as an example of a race. However, the content of the race is not limited to a publicly managed race, and may be a prediction of the outcome of athletics, swimming, baseball, soccer, rugby, basketball, and combat sports such as boxing. It may also be e-sports (electronic sports) in which players compete against each other in a computer game. The game genre of e-sports is not particularly limited, and may be any game genre. For example, it may be a fighting game, a sports game, a shooting game, a racing game, a puzzle game, a card game, a board game, a role-playing game, or a simulation game. The e-sport may be an individual game or a team game. It may be a game in which humans compete against each other as players, or a game in which a human competes against a computer (for example, an AI or a robot).

[0014] The competition information includes the program schedule, odds, predictions by experts, images of the competition, and the competition results (including information regarding payouts). Here, the program schedule for a race is a list of the racers who will participate in each race, and includes information that can be used as a reference for predictions, such as basic information about the racers and past results. For example, if the race is keirin, about 9 to 12 races are held per day at each venue, and the program schedule in this case includes a program schedule that summarizes information about multiple venues, or a program schedule for each venue or for each race. The program schedule also includes the gate number, car number, condition, characteristics (class and running style, etc.) and past results of the racers who are the racers.

[0015] Points correspond to the first value of the present invention, and are values ​​given to the user U in response to the user U's voting action. When the user U votes on the results of a competition, a certain amount of bonus money is given in addition to the dividend, regardless of whether the user U's prediction is correct or not. Dividends are a currency (money) used in exchange for goods or services in the general society, but points have a different value from currency, and are handled as a medium that has exchange value with benefits, which will be described later, in the point management system S. These points can be accumulated for a specified period or an indefinite period. In this embodiment, points are given when a user votes on the results of a competition, so the user U cannot obtain points unless he or she experiences voting.

[0016] The amount of points to be awarded can be set appropriately. An example is shown below. (a) If the voting result is incorrect, more points will be awarded than if the result is correct. In other words, if the prediction is incorrect and a loss occurs, the amount of points awarded, which has a value other than a third value such as currency, will be increased and the loss will be compensated by those points. (b) The amount of points awarded is changed based on the amount of bets (amount of third value cast in a vote) that were unsuccessful. For example, if 2,000 yen of a 10,000 yen bet is a winning amount, the amount of points awarded is determined based on the unsuccessful amount of 8,000 yen. In other words, the more the amount of bets that were unsuccessful (amount lost), the more the amount of points awarded will increase, and the more compensation will be provided. (c) The amount of points awarded is changed based on the difference between the betting amount (amount of the third value cast in the bet) and the payout amount (amount of the third value obtained when the prediction is correct). For example, if a person bets 10,000 yen and receives a payout of 8,000 yen when part of the bet is correct, the amount of points awarded is determined based on the difference of 2,000 yen. In other words, if the bet is correct but the total amount is negative and a loss is incurred, the greater the amount of the loss, the greater the amount of points awarded, and the greater the compensation. Here, the example shows a case where the payout amount is lower than the betting amount, but the payout amount may be higher than the betting amount. For example, if the amount of points awarded is increased in addition to the payout when the prediction is correct, it is possible to further stimulate the gambling spirit. (d) The amount of points awarded is changed based on the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount (the cumulative amount of the third value used in voting). In other words, if the amount of points awarded is increased according to the cumulative number of votes or the cumulative voting amount, it is possible to further stimulate the motivation to vote. (e) The amount of points awarded is changed based on the number of types of sports to be voted for. For example, if there are many types of sports to be voted for, increasing the amount of points awarded can stimulate the desire to vote for more sports.

[0017] Unlike a competition, a game is an online game provided by a game management server 40 described later, and refers to an electronic game that is played by progressing through various quests that occur (hereinafter referred to as "play"). One example of a game is a game in which a user U forms a team of multiple characters, controls the characters through predetermined actions to fight enemy characters, and progresses by sequentially challenging and clearing multiple quests prepared in the game. The game of this embodiment may also be a game based on the above competition, such as a game in which a racehorse is trained in the game, or a game in which a racehorse, boat, bicycle, two-wheeled vehicle, or four-wheeled vehicle is operated in the game to race. In addition, the game of this embodiment can be updated to a predetermined version (specifically, the latest version, etc.) by distributing (releasing) update data. Hereinafter, updating the game version to a predetermined version is also referred to as releasing the predetermined version of the game.

[0018] In the game of this embodiment, when a user U satisfies a predetermined condition such as logging in to the game, the user U can obtain objects such as free items (including free lottery items) equivalent to the second value of the present invention. In addition, the user U can obtain objects such as paid items (including paid lottery items) equivalent to a predetermined game medium by paying a predetermined fee (charging for the game). In addition, in the game of this embodiment, a lottery is held based on a request for an object from the user U (hereinafter referred to as a lottery application), and the user U can obtain the object that is won in the lottery.

[0019] A quest is a task given to the user U in the game, that is, an individual event constituting the game. Specifically, the quests in this embodiment include a quest in which the user U fights an enemy character using a character owned by the user U, or a quest in which the user U challenges a specified race or a large race. Each of these quests has an achievement condition set, and for example, the user U plays the quest during the event period and clears the quest by completing the quest by defeating an enemy character or winning a race or other preset achievement condition, and the user U who clears the quest can receive a clear reward.

[0020] Among the quests, there are specific games with limited play conditions. For example, a quest that cannot be played unless the user U's game experience reaches a certain level, or a quest that cannot be played unless the user U possesses a specific item (including, for example, the benefits described below), etc., corresponds to a specific game. In addition, a quest that allows for cooperative play, which will be described later, also corresponds to a specific game.

[0021] The objects include, for example, characters that move in response to the user U's operation in the game, and items for progressing through the game advantageously. The number of objects owned increases not only by lottery but also by logging in to the game, receiving a reward for clearing the game, or purchasing. The number of objects owned decreases as the objects are consumed or discarded in the game.

[0022] The lottery is one of the events in the game in which the above objects can be obtained, and is held in response to a lottery application by user U while playing the game. In the lottery, multiple objects with different winning probabilities are prepared as candidates, and one or a predetermined number of objects are selected from the multiple candidate objects, and the selected objects are given to user U. Note that the multiple candidate objects include a predetermined object with rarity.

[0023] The predetermined object generally refers to an object that is difficult to obtain due to a low probability of winning, has high rarity value, and has a low circulation in the game or a low amount of past use by the user U. However, in this embodiment, the predetermined object includes, in addition to the objects that fall under the above provisions, objects with high abilities that are useful because they greatly change abilities when used on a character, objects that are suitable for clearing each quest, or objects that are in high demand (high popularity) among the user U, regardless of the probability of winning.

[0024] There are various types of lotteries, including, for example, a single-type lottery that is held only once, and an N-type lottery in which N lotteries (N is a natural number of 2 or more) are held in succession. Furthermore, there are various conditions for holding a lottery. Specifically, the lottery in this embodiment may include the following lotteries. (a) A lottery that can be conducted by consuming points (first value) that can be obtained by voting. (b) A lottery that can be held by consuming free lottery items (a type of secondary value) that can be obtained free of charge. (c) A lottery that can be held by consuming a paid lottery item (a type of specified game media) purchased for a fee. (d) A lottery that can be held as a reward for completing a quest (including both cases where the lottery can be held by consuming a lottery item obtained as a reward for completing a quest, and cases where the right to hold a lottery itself is granted as a reward for completing the quest). (e) A lottery that can be held by consuming the benefits described below.

[0025] Based on the result of the lottery, the user U can also obtain a third value that can be used for voting, such as a special medal. For example, if an object other than the predetermined object is won, the user U is granted a relatively large amount of the third value. Conversely, if the predetermined object is won, the user U is granted a relatively small amount of the third value. In addition, the user U can obtain a third value that can be used for voting, such as a special medal, based on the amount of money charged for the game or the amount of paid lottery items, which are a type of predetermined game media, consumed. For example, the more lotteries of (c) above are held, the more third value is granted to the user U.

[0026] The bonus is a value that can be acquired by consuming the above points, i.e., by converting the points based on a predetermined conversion rate, and is a value (medium) that can be used when conducting a lottery in the game. Note that the lottery can be conducted by consuming points in addition to consuming the bonus, in which case the holding of the lottery corresponds to the bonus. In the lottery, when the lottery is held by consuming the bonus or points, which is the first value, the probability of winning a specific rare object is set to be higher than when the lottery is held by consuming a free lottery item, which is the second value. For example, the probability of winning a specific rare object is set to be higher in the order of free lottery items, points, bonuses, and paid lottery items. Note that the probability of winning a specific rare object in a lottery that can be held as a reward for clearing a quest varies depending on the play conditions and difficulty level of the quest in question.

[0027] The conversion rate is used when converting points into rewards, and is the exchange rate between points and rewards. Specifically, the amount of the reward is calculated by multiplying the points by the conversion rate. The conversion rate is set for each game genre or game title. For example, the conversion rate for games related to a sport or games recommended by game providers is set higher than the conversion rate for other games. For example, when the sport and the game are highly related (such as the relationship between horse racing and horse racing games), the conversion rate is set higher. Furthermore, for new games (including games that have been updated and released in a specified version), the conversion rate is set higher than the normal value (the conversion rate after the specified period has passed) for a specified period (for example, one week) from the time of the game's release. The conversion rate may also be set based on the number of users associated with the game, including, for example, the number of active users of the game, the number of users who have downloaded the game, or the number of users who have actually played the game in a recent predetermined period of time. The conversion rate may also be set based on the play history of the user U. For example, for a new user U who has just started playing the game or a user U with little gaming experience (hereinafter referred to as a beginner user), a higher conversion rate may be set for a certain period of time from the first play. Also, a higher conversion rate may be set for a user U who has not played the game for a certain period of time or more, for example, a user U for whom a certain period of time has passed since the last login date to the game (hereinafter referred to as a dormant user). Conversely, a higher conversion rate may be set for a user U who frequently plays the game on a regular basis (hereinafter referred to as a heavy user).

[0028] In the games of this embodiment, there are certain games (including lotteries with limited implementation conditions) that cannot be played unless the user U consumes a certain amount of benefits. In cases where the amount of benefits granted to such a certain game varies depending on the betting amount (amount of third value cast in a vote), and the user U has less than the certain amount of benefits, the user may be notified of the betting amount required to obtain the certain amount of benefits. For example, the user U may be notified of information such as "If you bet another 1,000 yen, you can participate in a special lottery being held in game A." Furthermore, if the sum of the benefits held by user U and the benefits granted based on the voting amount designated by user U falls short of a predetermined amount before user U casts a vote, user U may be notified of the voting amount required to make the total of the benefits reach the predetermined amount. Also, user U may be notified of the necessary voting amount based on the difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of benefits held by user U. In addition, the user U may be notified of information about a specific game being played in the game selected based on the user U's game play history.

[0029] In this embodiment, the user U can also interact with other users U when using points. For example, when two users U (for convenience, referred to as users Ua and Ub) have a friendship relationship and recognize each other, the user Ub is linked to the user Ua as a friend user of the user Ua. Then, when a friend user Ub linked to the user Ua has acquired points by voting on the results of a competition, information about the friend user Ub (including information about the competition related to the friend user's vote) is notified to the user Ua. In addition, if a friend user Ub linked to user Ua obtains points by voting on the results of a competition and uses those points to play a game, information about the game played by friend user Ub, such as the game title, is notified to user Ua.

[0030] In this embodiment, not only can a user U play alone, but also a plurality of users U can operate their respective user terminals 10 to play a common quest simultaneously in what is called multiplay (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play). This cooperative play is a type of the specific game described above. In cooperative play, a cooperative relationship is formed between a user U (hereinafter referred to as a host) who hosts a cooperative play for a certain quest and recruits companions, and a user U (hereinafter referred to as a guest) who applies for the recruitment and participates in the cooperative play, and the progress of the play is synchronized between the users who play cooperatively. In this embodiment, cooperative play is limited to quests that can be played when both the host and the guest have consumed benefits. However, cooperative play may be possible even when other conditions are met.

[0031] Cooperative play is carried out through the communication function of the user terminal 10 of each user U. Specifically, when a user U applies to participate in a cooperative play invited by a host and the host accepts the application, a communication path for cooperative play is established between the user U as a guest and the host. The qualifications for applying for cooperative play are not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily. For example, a friend user may be able to apply.

[0032] After that, various data required for the joint play is transmitted and received according to a known communication method. The data communication method at this time may be a client-server method via the game management server 40, or a P2P (peer-to-peer) method without the game management server 40. The joint play method is classified into a fully synchronous type and an asynchronous type, and either type may be adopted. The fully synchronous type includes a key input synchronization type and a command input type, and the asynchronous type includes a server-centralized processing type and a client-distributed processing type.

[0033] Games that support cooperative play include cooperative play games in which multiple users U cooperate with each other, and competitive games in which users U compete against each other, but the game of this embodiment may be of either type. In addition, the upper limit (maximum number of players) of the number of users U in one cooperative play is not particularly limited and may be set to any number.

[0034] <Configuration of the points management system S> Next, the configuration of the point management system S will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the point management system S is made up of an information terminal (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal 10) operated by a user U, a point management server 30, and a game management server 40. The user terminal 10, the point management server 30, and the game management server 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet. Furthermore, the point management system S is connected to a public racing server 50 via the network N so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0035] The user terminal 10 is equipped with a program stored within the terminal and a processor that executes the program, and is carried by its owner, a user U, who operates the user terminal 10 when voting on the results of a competition, playing a game, etc. As the user terminal 10, various devices such as well-known devices used as information processing terminals, for example, smartphones, mobile phones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, wearable terminals, or game-dedicated devices with communication functions, can be used. The number of user terminals 10 constituting the point management system S is not particularly limited and may be any number, but in FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the number of user terminals 10 is three.

[0036] The point management server 30 is a computer constituting the information processing device of the present invention, and is configured, for example, by a server computer managed by a game provider, and is responsible for processing related to points and benefits. Specifically, the point management server 30 grants points to the user U, and grants benefits converted by consuming the points. The point management server 30 also manages the account, point acquisition information, point conversion information, etc. of the user U for each user U. Note that the point management server 30 is not limited to being composed of a single server computer that independently performs a specific function, but may be composed of multiple server computers that are distributed and work together to perform a specific function.

[0037] The game management server 40 is a computer constituting the information processing device of the present invention, and is, for example, a server computer managed by a game provider, and is responsible for the progress processing of each game for each game. Specifically, the game management server 40 manages the game account and status of each user U for each user U, and distributes data related to the progress processing of the game (hereinafter referred to as game progress data) to each user U. Note that the game management server 40 is not limited to one consisting of a single server computer that performs a specific function by itself, but may be one consisting of multiple server computers that are distributed and exist in a distributed manner but cooperate to perform a specific function. In addition, the number of game management servers 40 constituting the point management system S is not particularly limited and may be any number, but in FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the number of game management servers 40 is two.

[0038] The public racing server 50 is, for example, a server computer managed by an organization or the like that holds the public racing event, and performs processes such as providing race information, calculating odds, accepting votes, and making payouts. Specifically, the public racing server 50 directly or indirectly accepts votes and makes payouts to the user U, and distributes various data related to the race (hereinafter referred to as race information data). In addition to the race information data, the public racing server 50 provides the point management server 30 with betting history data including information on the user U's betting history (including betting amount and betting results). The public racing server 50 is not limited to a single server computer that performs a specific function on its own, but may be a multiple server computer that exists in a distributed manner but cooperates to perform a specific function. The number of public racing servers 50 that make up the point management system S is not particularly limited and may be any number, but for convenience of illustration, the number of public racing servers 50 is shown as one in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the public racing server 50 is not included in the point management system S but is a device outside the system. However, the public racing server 50 may also be included as part of the point management system S.

[0039] The network N may be any network that connects the user terminals 10, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public racing server 50 in a state that enables data communication. The network N may be wired or wireless and includes the Internet, mobile communication networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), intranets, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. The user terminals 10 may communicate with each other via the network N, or may communicate directly via Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wifi-Direct, and the like without going through the network N.

[0040] In the point management system S of this embodiment, the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, and the game management server 40 cooperate with the public race server 50 to award points and bonuses and progress the game. Specifically, part of the processing is performed by the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public race server 50, and part of the graphic processing and the like is performed by the user terminal 10. For example, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public race server 50 cooperate with each other to execute programs including certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the user terminal 10 executes a program including the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the programs executed by the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public race server 50, while synchronizing with these servers. In this way, the user terminal 10 awards points, awards bonuses, progresses the game (including lotteries and specific games), and gives notifications.

[0041] <Configuration of User Terminal 10> Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described. 2, the user terminal 10 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 11, a storage device 12, a communication interface (represented as communication I / F in FIG. 2) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15. These components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown).

[0042] The processor 11 includes, for example, a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit, or a digital signal processor. The processor 11 executes various arithmetic processes based on programs or data stored in the storage device 12, and controls each part of the user terminal 10. The programs executed by the processor 11 include an OS (Operating System), which is system software for controlling the entire user terminal 10, an application program for voting on competition results, and an application program for games (including a point conversion function). These various programs are read and executed by the processor 11, and the user terminal 10 functions as one of the devices that make up the point management system S.

[0043] The storage device 12 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and provides a working area for the processor 11 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores various data generated by the processing executed by the processor 11. The storage stores various data related to the game and is composed of, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), and USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory).

[0044] The communication interface 13 is configured, for example, by a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and controls communication processing of the user terminal 10. The communication standard used by the communication interface 13 is not particularly limited, and any public communication standard can be applied without restriction. The communication method used by the communication interface 13 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0045] The input device 14 is a device that receives an operation of the user U and generates data indicating the content of the received operation. As an example of the input device 14, an operation key, an operation button, a microphone for collecting sound, a camera for taking pictures, and the like provided on the user terminal 10 can be used.

[0046] The output device 15 is a device that draws a screen to display images and character string information, and plays back audio. Examples of the output device 15 that can be used include a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display provided in the user terminal 10, a head-mounted display, and a speaker. In this embodiment, the output device 15 includes at least a display. The display may have the functions of both the input device 14 and the output device 15, such as a touch panel display.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 3, the user terminal 10 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, an operation identification unit 16, a terminal storage unit 17, a terminal generation unit 18, a terminal transmission / reception unit 19, and a display processing unit 20. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the user terminal 10, including the processor 11, and a program stored in the user terminal 10 as software.

[0048] [Operation specification section 16] The operation identification unit 16 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the input device 14, and identifies the contents of various operations performed by the user U through the input device 14 of the user terminal 10. The operations identified by the operation identification unit 16 include voting operations for the results of a competition, operations for progressing in the game, and point conversion operations for converting acquired points into benefits. Voting operations for the results of a competition include operations to confirm competition information, as well as operations to specify the betting type, the competition object, and the betting amount, etc. Operations for progressing the game include operations to move characters in the game by a predetermined action, operations to instruct a lottery application, operations to instruct an application to play a specific game, and operations related to cooperative play (operations related to soliciting cooperative play, applications for cooperative play, and approval or rejection of such applications), etc. Point conversion operations include operations to specify the amount of points to be converted, etc.

[0049] [Terminal side memory unit 17] The terminal side storage unit 17 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and stores, for example, competition information data and game progress data consisting of video data, image data, character data, and audio data.

[0050] [Terminal side generation unit 18] The terminal side generation unit 18 is mainly realized by the processor 11 and the storage device 12, and generates voting operation data, game operation data, point conversion operation data, etc. according to the operation content of the user U identified by the operation identification unit 16. The generated game operation data includes lottery application instruction operation data based on an operation instructing a lottery application, game play application instruction operation data based on an operation instructing an application to play a specific game, and joint play data based on an operation related to joint play, etc. Furthermore, the betting operation data includes information regarding the designated betting type, competition object, betting amount, etc. Furthermore, the point conversion operation data includes information regarding the designated amount of points to be converted. The various types of data generated as described above are transmitted by the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 to the points management server 30, the game management server 40, the public race server 50, and the user terminals 10 of the other users U.

[0051] [Terminal side transceiver unit 19] The terminal side transmission / reception unit 19 is mainly realized by a processor 11, a memory device 12, and a communication interface 13, and transmits and receives data and information between the point management server 30, the game management server 40, the public racing server 50, and the user terminals 10 of other users U. For example, when placing a bet on the result of a race, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 receives the race information data and the betting history data sent from the public race server 50, and transmits the betting operation data to the public race server 50. Also, while playing a game, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 receives the game progress data sent from the game management server 40, and transmits the game operation data to the game management server 40. Also, when a game is being played jointly, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 may transmit and receive game operation data (specifically, data for joint play) between the user terminal 10 of another user U. Furthermore, when acquiring points or converting points into a bonus, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 receives the point information data, bonus information data, or user information data sent from the point management server 30, and transmits the point conversion operation data to the point management server 30.

[0052] [Display processing unit 20] The display processing unit 20 is mainly realized by the processor 11, the storage device 12, and the output device 15, and executes display processing for displaying data and information received by the terminal side transmitting / receiving unit 19 on a display using a browsing function. Specifically, when voting on the results of a race, the display processing unit 20 draws a voting screen, and during the race, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 expands the race information data received from the public race server 50 and displays the race video and other information on the screen. The display processing unit 20 also draws a game screen when the game starts, and during game play, the terminal-side transmitting / receiving unit 19 expands the game progress data received from the game management server 40 and displays the game video and other information on the screen. Furthermore, when points are acquired or points are converted into benefits, the display processing unit 20 expands the point information data, benefit information data, or user information data received from the point management server 30 and displays that information on the screen.

[0053] <Configuration of point management server 30> Next, the point management server 30 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the point management server 30 has a hardware configuration similar to that of a typical server computer, and includes a processor 31, a storage device 32, and a communication interface 33, and these devices are electrically connected via a bus not shown.

[0054] The processor 31 is configured with a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, etc., and executes various processes by executing programs installed in the point management server 30. The programs executed by the processor 31 are an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire point management server 30, and application programs for causing the point management server 30 to function as the information processing device of the present invention, etc.

[0055] The storage device 32 includes, for example, a memory or storage, and stores various programs and data. The memory is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM and RAM, and provides a working area for the processor 31 by temporarily storing programs and data, and temporarily stores data generated by various processes executed by the processor 31. The storage stores various data related to the user U and the games, etc., and is composed of, for example, a flash memory, HDD, SSD, FD, MO disk, CD, DVD, SD card, USB memory, etc. Note that a server computer for a database connected to the point management server 30 via the network N may be used as the storage.

[0056] The communication interface 33 is, for example, configured with a network interface card or the like, and controls the communication processing of the point management server 30. The communication standard used by the communication interface 33 is not particularly limited, and any public communication standard can be applied without restriction. In addition, the communication method used by the communication interface 33 may be a wireless method or a wired method.

[0057] Next, the configuration of the point management server 30 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 4, the point management server 30 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a point server side storage unit 34, a point server side transmission / reception unit 35, a point server side generation unit 36, a value granting unit 37, a benefit granting unit 38, and a notification unit 39. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the point management server 30, including the processor 31, and a program as software stored in the point management server 30. When the point management server 30 is configured by a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers performs a different function.

[0058] [Point server side memory unit 34] The point server side memory unit 34 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the memory device 32, and stores various data such as user information data regarding the user U, point information data including data regarding points and benefits, and benefit information data. 5, the user information data includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) for identifying the user U or the user terminal 10 used by the user U, and information associated with the identifier. The information associated with the identifier includes, for example, personal information of the user U, the model of the user terminal 10, payment history, voting history, the number of owned points, the number of owned rewards, and information indicating the game being played. The user information data is associated with data on the user U stored in the game management server 40, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 6, the point information data includes information on the amount of points to be awarded, which is set according to user attributes (user ID), voting results, the type of competition, and the like. As shown in FIG. 7, the benefit information data includes information on a conversion rate from points to a benefit, which is set according to a user attribute (user ID) or a type of game, etc.

[0059] [Point server side transmission / reception unit 35] The point server side transmitting / receiving unit 35 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10, the game management server 40, and the public racing server 50. For example, the point server-side transmitting and receiving unit 35 transmits point information data, bonus information data, or user information data to the user terminal 10, and receives point conversion operation data, which is an instruction to convert points into a bonus, from the user terminal 10. The point server-side transmitting and receiving unit 35 also transmits notification data to the user terminal 10. The point server-side transmitting and receiving unit 35 also transmits point information data, bonus information data, or user information data to the game management server 40, and receives user information data from the game management server 40. The point server-side transmitting and receiving unit 35 also receives race information data and betting history data from the public racing server 50.

[0060] [Point server side generation unit 36] The point server side generation unit 36 ​​is realized mainly by the processor 31 and the storage device 32 , and generates various data that is stored in the point server side storage unit 34 or transmitted by the point server side transmission / reception unit 35 . The various data generated by the point server side generation unit 36 ​​includes the following data. (a) Point information data including information regarding points, such as the amount of points awarded based on user attributes, voting results, or type of competition, etc. (b) Benefit information data including information regarding benefits, such as the conversion rate from points to benefits set according to user attributes or game type, etc. (c) User information data including the number of points and benefits owned by each user U, as well as information for identifying friend users linked to user U. (d) Notification data, including voting history of friend users.

[0061] [Value Addition Department 37] The value imparting unit 37 is realized mainly by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, and imparts points, which are a first value, to the user U who predicts the outcome of the competition and casts a vote. In this embodiment, the value imparting unit 37 further performs the following process. (a) The value allotting unit 37 sets the amount of points to be awarded in a case where the voting result is an incorrect answer to be greater than the amount of points to be awarded in a case where the voting result is a correct answer. (b) The value allotting unit 37 changes the amount of points to be awarded based on the amount of the bet that resulted in an unwinning vote. (c) The value imparting unit 37 changes the amount of points to be awarded based on the difference between the bet amount and the dividend amount. (d) The value granting unit 37 changes the amount of points granted to the user U based on at least one of the user U's cumulative number of votes or cumulative voting amount. (e) The value granting unit 37 changes the amount of points granted based on the consumption amount of a third value that can be used for voting, such as currency or dedicated medals. (f) The value providing unit 37 provides the user with a second value, such as a free item that can be used in the game, based on a predetermined condition, such as logging in to the game. (g) The value granting unit 37 grants the user a third value that can be used for voting, such as currency or a special medal, based on the result of the lottery. (h) The value granting unit 37 grants the user a third value that can be used for voting based on the amount charged for the game or the amount of consumption of a predetermined game medium such as a paid item in the game. The awarded points are associated with each user U to whom the points are to be awarded, and are stored in the point server side storage unit 34.

[0062] [Benefits Section 38] The reward granting unit 38 is mainly realized by the processor 31 and the storage device 32, consumes points, which are the first value, converts them into a reward that can be used in the game, and grants the reward to the user U. At this time, the reward granting unit 38 changes the amount of the reward based on the amount of points consumed. Specifically, the reward giving unit 38 gives the reward to the user U by converting at least a portion of the points into a reward based on a conversion rate set according to the game as follows. (a) Set according to the time that has elapsed since the release of a specific version of the game. Specifically, the bonus granting unit 38 monitors the time that has elapsed since the release of a specific version of the game, and sets the conversion rate based on that time. (b) The benefit granting unit 38 sets the benefit based on the play history of the user U in the game. (c) The bonus awarding unit 38 sets the conversion rate based on the degree of association between the game and the sport. For example, if the genre of the game and the sport are the same, the bonus awarding unit 38 determines that the degree of association is high and sets the conversion rate high. (d) The reward granting unit 38 sets a conversion rate based on the number of users associated with the game (the number of active users of the game, the number of users who have downloaded the game, or the number of users who actually played the game in a recent specified period, etc.). The awarded benefit is associated with each user U to whom the benefit is to be awarded, and is stored in the point server side storage unit 34 or the game server side storage unit 44.

[0063] [Notification section 39] The notification unit 39 is mainly realized by the processor 31, the storage device 32, and the communication interface 33, and cooperates with the point server side transmitting / receiving unit 35 to notify the user U of various information. As shown in Fig. 4, the notification unit 39 has a first notification unit 39a, a second notification unit 39b, a third notification unit 39c, and a fourth notification unit 39d.

[0064] The first notification unit 39a calculates the betting amount (amount of the third value) based on the following conditions, and notifies the user U by transmitting notification data including information about the calculated betting amount to the user terminal 10. (a) When the benefit held by the user U falls short of a predetermined amount required to play a specific game, the first notification unit 39a calculates a betting amount required to make the benefit reach the predetermined amount. (b) If, before a vote is cast, the sum of the benefits held by the user and the benefits to be awarded based on the voting amount specified by the user falls short of a predetermined amount, the first notification unit 39a calculates the voting amount required to bring the total of the benefits to the predetermined amount. (c) The first notification unit 39a calculates the required voting amount based on the difference between a predetermined amount and the amount of the privilege held by the user.

[0065] The second notification unit 39b transmits notification data including information about the game selected based on the user's play history in the game (including information about a specific game such as a lottery with limited implementation conditions) to the user terminal 10 to notify the user U.

[0066] The third notification unit 39c notifies the user terminal 10 by sending notification data including the information when a friend user linked to the user U obtains points by voting on the results of a competition in a game and uses those points to play the game. The information notified here includes information identifying the friend user, including the friend user's attributes, and information about the game the friend user is playing using the points he or she has acquired, etc. The information about the game the friend user is playing using the points he or she has acquired is at least information indicating the type of game, such as the game title.

[0067] The fourth notification unit 39d notifies the user terminal 10 by sending notification data including that information when a friend user linked to the user U in a game has obtained points by voting on the results of a competition. The information notified here includes information identifying the friend user including the friend user's attributes, etc., information related to the competition for which the friend user voted, and information related to the points the friend user has acquired or the benefits acquired by spending those points, etc. The information related to the competition for which the friend user voted is information indicating at least the type of competition, but may further include information indicating the voting amount and voting result, etc.

[0068] <Configuration of the game management server 40> Next, the game management server 40 according to this embodiment will be described. 2, the game management server 40 has the same hardware configuration as a general server computer, and includes a processor 41, a storage device 42, and a communication interface 43, which are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The programs executed by the processor 41 include an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire game management server 40, and application programs for causing the game management server 40 to function as the information processing device of the present invention. The configurations of the processor 41, the storage device 42, and the communication interface 43 are generally similar to those of the point management server 30 described above.

[0069] Next, the configuration of the game management server 40 will be described again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. 8, the game management server 40 includes a plurality of functional units, specifically, a game server side storage unit 44, a game server side transmission / reception unit 45, a game server side generation unit 46, a control unit 47, and a lottery unit 48. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the game management server 40 and programs as software stored in the game management server 40. When the game management server 40 is configured by a plurality of computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the plurality of computers performs a different function.

[0070] [Game server side memory unit 44] The game server side storage unit 44 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and stores various data including user information data on the user U and data for game progress. 9, the user information data includes an identifier (user ID or terminal ID) for identifying the user U or the user terminal 10 used by the user U, and various information associated with the identifier. The information associated with the identifier includes, for example, personal information of the user U, the model of the user terminal 10, login history, payment history, voting history, the number of owned points, the number of owned benefits, and game progress such as status. The user information data stored in the game server side storage unit 44 is associated with the user information data stored in the point management server 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the game progress data includes user attributes (user ID), information regarding characters owned by user U, information regarding other objects such as items owned by user U, and various information regarding quests set for each user U.

[0071] [Game server side transmission / reception unit 45] The game server side transmitting / receiving unit 45 is mainly realized by the processor 41, the storage device 42, and the communication interface 43, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30. For example, while playing a game, the game server side transmitting / receiving unit 45 transmits game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U, and receives game operation data (including lottery application instruction operation data and game play application instruction operation data) from the user terminal 10. The game server side transmitting / receiving unit 45 also receives point information data or bonus information data from the point management server 30. Furthermore, while joint play is being performed, the point server side transmitting / receiving unit 35 receives joint play data from each of the user terminals 10 of the multiple users U who are playing jointly, and transmits data for synchronizing between the users U (game progress data in a broad sense) to each user terminal 10.

[0072] [Game server side generation unit 46] The game server side generation unit 46 is realized mainly by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and generates various data to be transmitted by the game server side transmission / reception unit 45. The various data generated here specifically include user information data, and game progress data corresponding to the game operation data received from the user terminal 10. The game progress data also includes data notifying the lottery result and data for starting a specific game. The game progress data also includes data for synchronizing multiple users U who are playing a game together while the game is being played together.

[0073] [Control Unit 47] The control unit 47 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and controls the progress of the game. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 47 has a first control unit 47a and a second control unit 47b. The first control unit 47a controls the game so that, in particular, in a specific game, the user can play the specific game by consuming a predetermined amount of a benefit. The second control unit 47b controls the game so that, in particular when a particular game is played jointly, a user U and another user U can play together, on the condition that both the user U and the other user U consume a benefit.

[0074] [Lottery Section 48] The lottery unit 48 is mainly realized by the processor 41 and the storage device 42, and based on a lottery application instruction from the user terminal 10, conducts a lottery by consuming benefits, points, free lottery items (a type of second value), etc. possessed by the user U, and provides the user U with an object usable in the game as the lottery result. At this time, the lottery unit 48 sets the probability of winning a predetermined object in the lottery when benefits or points are consumed higher than when free lottery items are consumed.

[0075] <Configuration of the public racing server 50> Next, the public race server 50 according to this embodiment will be described. 2, the public racing server 50 has the same hardware configuration as a typical server computer, comprising a processor 51, a storage device 52, and a communications interface 53, all of which are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The programs executed by the processor 51 include an OS, which is system software for controlling the entire public racing server 50, and application programs for operating the public racing server 50 in conjunction with the point management system S. The configurations of the processor 51, storage device 52, and communications interface 53 are generally similar to those of the point management server 30 and game management server 40 described above.

[0076] Next, the configuration of the public race server 50 will be explained again from a functional perspective with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 11, the public racing server 50 has multiple functional units, specifically a public racing server memory unit 54, a public racing server transmission / reception unit 55, a public racing server generation unit 56, and a data processing unit 57. These functional units are realized by cooperation between the hardware devices of the public racing server 50 and programs as software stored in the public racing server 50. If the public racing server 50 is made up of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs a different function.

[0077] [Public Racing Server Memory Unit 54] The public race server-side memory unit 54 is realized mainly by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and stores various data including race information data and the like.

[0078] [Public Racing Server Side Transmission and Reception Unit 55] The public racing server-side transmitting / receiving unit 55 is mainly realized by the processor 51, the storage device 52, and the communications interface 53, and transmits and receives data and information between the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30. For example, data transmitted to the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30 includes competition information data and betting history data, etc. Data received from the user terminal 10 includes betting operation data, etc. The public racing server 50 and the user terminal 10 may transmit and receive data via the point management server 30, or may transmit and receive data directly without passing through the point management server 30.

[0079] [Public Racing Server Side Generation Unit 56] The public racing server-side generation unit 56 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and generates data to be transmitted by the public racing server-side transmission / reception unit 55. The generated data includes race information data, betting history data, and the like.

[0080] [Data Processing Unit 57] The data processing unit 57 is mainly realized by the processor 51 and the storage device 52, and performs various data processing related to the competition. As an example of data processing, the data processing unit 57 judges the betting result (win or lose) based on the competition result, and if the bet is a win, performs processing to pay out a dividend to the user U according to the odds. The data processing unit 57 also performs processing to calculate odds using a known dividend determination method such as the pari-mutuel method or the bookmaker method. Note that information regarding the calculated odds is included in the competition information data, and is stored in the public racecourse server-side storage unit 54, and is transmitted to the user terminal 10 and the point management server 30 by the public racecourse server-side transmission / reception unit 55.

[0081] The above describes the configuration of each of the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public racing server 50. Generally, the user terminal 10, the point management server 30, the game management server 40, and the public racing server 50 have various functions in addition to those described above. However, here, only the characteristic functions that provide the operational effect of the point management system S of the present invention will be described, and illustrations and descriptions of other known functions will be omitted.

[0082] <Processing flow of the point management system S> Next, the flow of processing executed in the point management system S having the above configuration will be described. The information processing method of this embodiment is realized by using a point management system S that functions as a computer system; in other words, the information processing method of this embodiment is applied in the information processing performed by the point management system S.

[0083] The information processing executed in the point management system S in this embodiment is mainly composed of five processes: [point granting process], [benefit granting process], [lottery process], [specific game control process], and [notification process]. Each process will be explained individually below.

[0084] [Points allocation process] First, the point giving process will be described with reference to FIG. The point granting process is a process executed by the point management server 30, and refers to a process of granting points to a user U who has voted on the result of the competition.

[0085] 12, when the point management server 30 receives from the public racing server 50 betting history data indicating that the user U has placed a bet on the outcome of the race (S101), the point management server 30 calculates the amount of points to be awarded based on the betting amount and betting results analyzed from the betting history data (S102). The point management server 30 then awards points to the user U according to the calculated amount (S103). Then, the point management server 30 generates user information data indicating that the number of points owned by the user U has increased as a result of granting the points to the user U (S104). After that, the point management server 30 transmits the generated user information data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S105).

[0086] When the above series of steps is completed, the point giving process ends. After that, the above series of steps is repeated every time the user U votes on the results of the competition. The above is an example of the point giving process.

[0087] [Benefits Granting Process] Next, the benefit providing process will be described with reference to FIG. The reward granting process is a process executed by the point management server 30, in which points are consumed and converted into a reward that can be used in the game, and the reward is granted to the user U.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 13, the point management server 30 receives point conversion operation data as an instruction to convert points into a reward (point conversion instruction) from the user terminal 10 (S201). The point conversion instruction specifies a game in which the reward can be used and the number of points to be converted into the reward. When the point management server 30 receives the point conversion instruction from the user U, the point management server 30 calculates the amount of the reward from the number of points specified by the target user U based on the play history of the user U and a conversion rate that is predefined for each game (S202). In addition, the point management server 30 has the user U confirm the calculated amount of the reward, and after the user U confirms (S203: YES), the point management server 30 grants the user U a reward according to the calculated amount (S204). Then, the point management server 30 generates user information data indicating that the number of privileges possessed by the user U has increased as a result of granting the privilege to the user U (S205). After that, the point management server 30 transmits the generated user information data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S206). Note that if confirmation is not obtained from the user U (S203: NO), the point management server 30 ends the process.

[0089] When the above series of steps is completed, the reward granting process ends. After that, the above series of steps is repeated every time the user U performs an operation to convert points into a reward. The above is an example of the bonus granting process.

[0090] [Lottery process] Next, the lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. The lottery process is a process executed in the game management server 40, which conducts a lottery in response to a lottery application from the user U and provides the user U with an object that is selected as a lottery result. Note that, here, a case where a lottery is conducted by consuming a special benefit will be described.

[0091] 14, when the game management server 40 receives lottery application instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 and accepts a lottery application from the user U (S301), it updates the user information data by subtracting the amount of benefit consumed to conduct the lottery (S302). In addition, the game management server 40 selects an object that will win as a lottery result from among a plurality of candidate objects based on the winning probability set for each object (S303), and grants the selected object to the user U (S304). Then, the game management server 40 generates game progress data notifying the result of the lottery (S305), and transmits the generated game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S306).

[0092] When the above series of steps is completed, the lottery process ends. After that, the above series of steps is repeated every time the user U applies for a lottery while playing a game. The above is an example of the lottery process.

[0093] [Specific game control processing] Next, a specific game control process will be described with reference to FIG. The specific game control process is a process executed in the game management server 40, and refers to a process that controls a specific game to be played jointly by the host, who is a user U, and the guest, by both consuming a privilege.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 15, the game management server 40 receives a specific game play application instruction operation data from the user terminal 10 of the host or guest, thereby accepting an application to play the specific game (S401). In this case, the game management server 40 judges whether or not both the host and the guest have the amount of privilege required to play the specific game (S402). If both the host and the guest have the privilege (S402: YES), the game management server 40 updates the user information data by subtracting the amount of privilege consumed to play the specific game (S403). Then, the game management server 40 sets the specific game to a state in which both the host and the guest can play the game (S404). Then, the game management server 40 generates game progress data for starting a specific game (S405), and transmits the generated game progress data to the user terminal 10 of the user U (S406). On the other hand, if either the host or the guest does not have the privilege (S402: NO), the game management server 40 leaves the specific game set in an unplayable state (S407) and ends the process.

[0095] When the above series of steps is completed, the specific game control process ends. After that, the above series of steps is repeatedly executed every time the user U applies to play the specific game while playing the game. The above is an example of a specific game control process.

[0096] [Notification processing] Next, the notification process will be described with reference to FIG. The notification process is a process executed by the point management server 30, and refers to a process of notifying the user U of information, etc., relating to the competition related to the vote of a friend user linked to the user U in the game. Specifically, the notification process is performed when a friend user has acquired points by voting in a competition, and the user U is notified of information, etc., relating to the competition related to the vote of the friend user.

[0097] 16, when the point management server 30 receives from the public racing server 50 betting history data indicating that a user U has placed a vote on the outcome of a race (S501), the point management server 30 analyzes the betting history data. At this time, the point management server 30 identifies users U who are linked as friend users of the user U based on the user information data on the user U who placed the vote (S502). If there is a user U associated as a friend user of the user U who cast the vote (S503: YES), the point management server 30 generates notification data based on the user information data and competition information data related to the friend user (S504). After that, the point management server 30 transmits the generated notification data to the user terminal 10 of the user U who cast the vote (S505). Note that if there is no user U associated as a friend user of the user U (S503: NO), the point management server 30 ends the process.

[0098] When the above series of steps is completed, the notification process ends. After that, the above series of steps is repeated every time the user U votes for the results of the competition. The above is an example of the notification process.

[0099] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above embodiment, the point management server 30 and the game management server 40 execute the program of the present invention to function as the information processing device of the present invention. Here, a part or all of the functions as an information processing device possessed by one of the point management server 30 and the game management server 40 may be possessed by the other server, or may be possessed by the user terminal 10. For example, a function equivalent to the bonus granting unit 38 or the notification unit 39 may be possessed by the game management server 40. In addition, a function equivalent to the value granting unit 37, the bonus granting unit 38, the notification unit 39, the control unit 47, the lottery unit 48, etc. may be possessed by the user terminal 10.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the user information data is stored and held in each of the point management server 30 and the game management server 40. However, this is not limited to this, and the user information data may be stored collectively in a database server (not shown). Alternatively, all or part of the data and information stored in the point management server 30 and the game management server 40 may be stored on the user terminal 10 side.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the application program for the game executed on the user terminal 10 includes a function for converting points into benefits, but a separate application program for point conversion may also be executed on the user terminal 10.

[0102] In the present embodiment, an online game that utilizes data communication between the user terminal 10 operated by the user U and the game management server 40 has been described as an example of a game. However, the type of game is not particularly limited, and the game may be an offline game that does not require data communication. Also, for example, the game may be a social game that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS (Social Networking Service) account.

[0103] In this embodiment, the user U can enjoy all the functions of the point management system S free of charge in principle, but some functions may be charged and the paid functions may be used by paying (charging) a certain fee. In addition, the user U who has paid the certain fee may be given advantageous conditions (advantages), such as an increase in the amount of points given, a higher conversion rate, or an improved probability of winning a certain object. In addition, this fee may be a pay-per-use system, or may be effective for the user U for a certain period of time (for example, one month or one year) once it is paid (subscription).

[0104] <Summary> The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program according to the above-described embodiment are as follows.

[0105] [1] The information processing device of this embodiment has a value granting unit that grants a first value to a user who has voted on the result of a competition, and a reward granting unit that grants the user a reward that can be used in a game other than the competition by consuming the first value. According to the information processing device, a first value such as points can be awarded to a user as added value for voting on the results of a competition, and the first value can be consumed and converted into a bonus that can be used in a game. This can stimulate the user's motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0106] [2] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the value granting unit grants the user a second value usable in the game based on predetermined conditions in the game, and has a lottery unit that consumes the bonus, the first value or the second value to draw for an object usable in the game, and the lottery unit sets the probability of winning the predetermined object in the lottery when the bonus or the first value is consumed to be higher than when the second value is consumed. This allows the probability of winning a specific object in a lottery for objects that can be used in the game to be set higher when a bonus or a first value is consumed than when a second value is consumed, further increasing players' motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition.

[0107] [3] In the above information processing device, the value granting unit grants the user a third value that can be used for voting based on the result of the lottery. This allows users to obtain a third value that can be used for voting based on the lottery results, further increasing their motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition.

[0108] [4] In the above information processing device, the value granting unit grants the user a third value that can be used for voting based on the amount charged for the game or the amount of a predetermined game medium consumed in the game. This allows users to obtain a third value that can be used for voting based on the amount charged for the game or the amount of specified game media consumed in the game, further stimulating their motivation to play the game and to vote for the outcome of the competition.

[0109] [5] In the above information processing device, the value granting unit changes the amount of the first value granted based on the amount of the third value consumed that can be used for voting, and the bonus granting unit changes the amount of the bonus granted based on the amount of the first value consumed, and has a first control unit that controls the game to be playable by consuming a predetermined amount of the bonus, and a first notification unit that, when the bonus held by the user is less than the predetermined amount, calculates the amount of the third value required for the bonus to reach the predetermined amount, and notifies the user of the calculated amount of the third value. This allows users to know the amount of third value required to make up the predetermined amount of the reward when the user's owned reward falls short of the predetermined amount required to play the game, which further stimulates the user's motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0110] [6] In the above-mentioned information processing device, if, before voting, the sum of the benefits held by the user and the benefits granted based on the amount of the third value specified by the user is less than a predetermined amount, the first notification unit calculates the amount of the third value required to make the sum of the benefits reach the predetermined amount. This allows users to know the amount of third value required to make the total of the benefits reach the predetermined amount when the total of the benefits owned by the users and the benefits granted based on the amount of the third value specified by the users falls short of the predetermined amount required to play the game, thereby further stimulating the users' motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition.

[0111] [7] In the above information processing device, the first notification unit calculates the amount of the third value required based on the difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of the benefit held by the user. This allows the user to know the amount of the third value required based on the difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of the benefit the user owns, which further stimulates the user's motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition.

[0112] [8] The information processing device above has a second notification unit that notifies the user of information related to the game selected based on the user's play history in the game. This allows users to know information about the game selected based on their own playing history, further increasing their motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0113] [9] The above information processing device has a third notification unit that notifies the user of information regarding the game played by a friend user associated with the user when the friend user consumes the first value to play a game. When a friend user is playing a game after voting on the results of a competition, information about that game can be provided, i.e., information about the game the friend user is playing can be provided, making it easier to create opportunities to play games together and interact with each other, which can further stimulate motivation to play games and vote on the results of the competition.

[0114]

[10] The above information processing device has a fourth notification unit that notifies the user of information regarding the competition related to the friend user's vote when a friend user associated with the user has obtained a first value by voting on the result of the competition. This allows for when a friend user of a game votes on the results of a competition, information about the competition that the friend user voted for can be provided, i.e., information about the competition the friend user is playing can be provided, making it easier to create opportunities for interaction by voting not only on the game but also on the results of the competition, which can further stimulate motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0115]

[11] The information processing device has a second control unit that controls the device so that a specific game can be played jointly by the user and the other user by both consuming a benefit. This allows both the user and other users to play a specific game when they have consumed the benefit, further increasing the motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0116]

[12] In the above information processing device, the reward providing unit converts at least a portion of the first value into a reward based on a conversion rate corresponding to the game. This allows the first value to be converted into a benefit based on a conversion rate according to the game, and can further stimulate motivation to play the game and to vote for the outcome of the competition. In particular, it can further stimulate motivation to play games with a high conversion rate. Also, it can further stimulate motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition for game users of games with a high conversion rate.

[0117]

[13] In the above information processing device, the bonus granting unit sets the conversion rate based on the elapsed time since a specified version of the game was released. This allows the conversion rate to be set according to the time that has elapsed since the release of a specific version of the game, and can further stimulate motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition. In particular, it can further stimulate motivation to play the game during a period when the conversion rate is set high (for example, shortly after the release of a specific version). It can also further stimulate motivation to vote for the results of the competition for game users of a game during a period when the conversion rate is set high.

[0118]

[14] In the above information processing device, the reward providing unit sets the conversion rate based on the user's play history in the game. This allows the conversion rate to be set based on the game play history, and further stimulates motivation to play the game and vote for the competition results. In particular, game users for whom a high conversion rate is set can be further stimulated to play the game and vote for the competition results. Specifically, when the conversion rate for novice users is set high, it is possible to further stimulate the willingness to play the game and vote for the competition results in inexperienced or novice gamers, etc. Also, when the conversion rate for dormant users is set high, or when the conversion rate for heavy users is set high, it is possible to further stimulate the willingness to play the game and vote for the competition results in game users who meet the respective conditions.

[0119]

[15] In the above information processing device, the reward awarding unit sets the conversion rate based on the degree of association between the game and the competition. This allows the conversion rate to be set based on the relevance of the game and the competition, and further stimulates motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition. In particular, it is possible to further stimulate motivation to play a game that is highly relevant to the competition for which the user voted, and to vote for the results of a competition that is highly relevant to the game the user is playing.

[0120]

[16] In the above information processing device, the reward providing unit sets a conversion rate based on the number of users associated with the game. This allows the conversion rate to be set based on the number of users associated with the game, further stimulating motivation to play the game and to vote for the results of the competition. In particular, when a high conversion rate is set for a game with a small number of users, motivation to play the game with a small number of users can be further stimulated. Also, game users of a game with a high conversion rate can be further stimulated to vote for the results of the competition.

[0121]

[17] In the above information processing device, the value granting unit sets the amount of the first value to be granted larger when the voting result is an incorrect result than when the voting result is a correct result. In this way, when the voting result is an incorrect result, a higher first value is assigned than when the voting result is a correct result, thereby further stimulating motivation to play the game and to vote for the outcome of the competition. In particular, motivation to play the game and to vote for the outcome of the competition can be further stimulated for users whose voting result is an incorrect result.

[0122]

[18] In the above information processing device, the value granting unit changes the amount of the first value granted based on the amount of the third value when the voting result is an incorrect answer. In this way, when the betting result is a loss, the first value is awarded based on the amount of the loss, thereby further stimulating motivation to play the game and motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition. In particular, if the amount of the first value awarded is large when the amount of the loss is large, motivation to play the game and motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition can be further stimulated in users who have suffered a large loss due to the loss of the betting result.

[0123]

[19] In the above information processing device, the value imparting unit changes the imparted amount of the first value based on the difference between the consumption amount of the third value and the amount of the dividend. In this way, by changing the amount of the first value based on the difference between the betting amount and the payout amount, it is possible to further stimulate the motivation to play the game and the motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition. In particular, by increasing the amount of the first value awarded as the difference between the betting amount and the payout amount increases, it is possible to further stimulate the motivation to play the game and the motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition among users whose betting results are unsuccessful.

[0124]

[20] In the above information processing device, the value granting unit changes the granted amount of the first value based on at least one of the accumulated number of votes of the user or the accumulated consumption amount of the third value. In this way, by changing the amount of the first value based on the user's cumulative number of votes or cumulative betting amount, it is possible to further stimulate the motivation to play the game and the motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition. In particular, by increasing the amount of the first value based on the cumulative number of votes or cumulative betting amount, it is possible to further stimulate the motivation to play the game for users who have a large cumulative number of votes or cumulative betting amount. Also, it is possible to further stimulate the motivation to vote for the outcome of the competition in order to increase the cumulative number of votes or cumulative betting amount in order to earn the first value.

[0125]

[21] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, a computer grants a first value to a user who voted for the result of the competition, and the computer grants the user a benefit that can be used in a game other than the competition by consuming the first value. According to the above information processing method, a first value such as points can be awarded to a user as added value for voting on the results of a competition, and the user can be given a benefit that can be used in a game that can be converted by consuming the first value. This can stimulate the user's motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0126]

[22] Furthermore, according to a program of this embodiment, the program is executed by a computer, and causes the computer to grant a first value to a user who has voted for the results of a competition, and causes the computer to grant the user a benefit that can be used in a game other than the competition by consuming the first value. According to the above program, a first value such as points can be awarded to a user as added value for voting on the results of a competition, and the user can be given a benefit that can be used in a game that can be converted by consuming the first value. This can stimulate the user's motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition.

[0127]

[23] The information processing device of this embodiment is an information processing device having a processor, wherein the processor identifies a target user who cast a vote based on information stored for each user regarding votes on the results of the competition, and grants a first value to the target user. The processor consumes the first value held by the target user, and grants the target user a benefit that can be used in a game other than the competition in accordance with the first value consumed. According to the information processing device, a first value such as points can be awarded to a user as added value for voting on the results of a competition, and the first value can be consumed and converted into a bonus that can be used in a game. This can stimulate the user's motivation to play the game and to vote on the results of the competition. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10 User terminal 11 Processors 12 Storage device 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 16 Operation specific part 17 Terminal side memory unit 18 Terminal side generation unit 19 Terminal side transmission / reception unit 20 Display processing section 30 Point Management Server 31 Processors 32 Storage device 33 Communication Interface 34 Point server side memory unit 35 Point server side transmission and reception unit 36 Point server side generation unit 37 Value Addition Department 38 Benefits Granting Department 39 Notification Department 39a First notification section 39b Second Notification Department 39c Third notification section 39d 4th Notification Department 40 Game Management Server 41 Processors 42 Storage device 43 Communication Interface 44 Game server side memory unit 45 Game server side transmitter / receiver 46 Game server side generation unit 47 Control Unit 47a First Control Section 47b Second control section 48 Lottery Section 50 Public Racing Server 51 Processors 52 Storage device 53 Communication Interface 54 Public Racing Server Side Memory Unit 55 Public Racing Server Side Transmitting and Receiving Unit 56 Public Racing Server Side Generation Unit 57 Data Processing Section N Network S Point Management System U User

Claims

1. A processor, The processor, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; changing an amount of the first value provided based on an amount of a consumed third value usable for the vote; changing the amount of the benefit based on the amount of the first value consumed; controlling the game to be playable by consuming a predetermined amount of the reward; if the privilege stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier falls short of the predetermined amount, an amount of the third value necessary for the privilege to satisfy the predetermined amount is calculated, and the calculated amount of the third value is notified to the user. Information processing device.

2. When a sum of the reward held by the user and the reward granted based on the amount of the third value designated by the user is less than the predetermined amount before the execution of the vote, the processor calculates an amount of the third value necessary for the sum of the rewards to satisfy the predetermined amount. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor calculates the amount of the third value required based on a difference between the predetermined amount and the amount of the privilege owned by the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. A processor, The processor, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; When the result of the vote is an incorrect answer, the amount of the first value to be awarded is set to be larger than that when the result of the vote is an incorrect answer. Information processing device.

5. A processor, The processor, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; changing the amount of the first value based on the amount of value used for the vote that resulted in an unwinning vote; Information processing device.

6. A processor, The processor, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; changing the amount of the first value to be awarded based on a difference between the amount of the value consumed for the vote and the amount of the dividend; Information processing device.

7. When the processor receives data indicating that a user has voted for the outcome of the competition, the processor stores in a memory unit a first value assigned to the user who has voted for the outcome of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; A processor changes an amount of the first value based on a consumption amount of a third value available for the vote; A processor varies an amount of the reward based on an amount of the first value consumed; a processor controls the game to be playable by consuming a predetermined amount of the reward; when the privilege stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier falls short of the predetermined amount, the processor calculates an amount of the third value necessary for the privilege to satisfy the predetermined amount, and notifies the user of the calculated amount of the third value. Information processing methods.

8. When the processor receives data indicating that a user has voted for the outcome of the competition, the processor stores in a memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted for the outcome of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; When the result of the vote is an incorrect answer, the amount of the first value to be awarded is set to be larger than that when the result of the vote is an incorrect answer. Information processing methods.

9. When the processor receives data indicating that a user has voted for the outcome of the competition, the processor stores in a memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted for the outcome of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; changing the amount of the first value based on the amount of value used for the vote that resulted in an unwinning vote; Information processing methods.

10. When the processor receives data indicating that a user has voted for an outcome of the competition, the processor stores in a memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted for the outcome of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; changing the amount of the first value to be awarded based on a difference between the amount of the value consumed for the vote and the amount of the dividend; Information processing methods.

11. A program executed by a processor, comprising: when the processor receives data indicating that the user has voted on the result of the competition, storing in the memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; causing a processor to change an amount of the first value provided based on an amount of a third value consumed that can be used for the vote; causing a processor to vary an amount of the reward based on an amount of the first value consumed; causing a processor to control the game to be playable by consuming a predetermined amount of the reward; when the privilege stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier falls short of the predetermined amount, cause the processor to calculate an amount of the third value necessary for the privilege to satisfy the predetermined amount, and notify the user of the calculated amount of the third value; program.

12. A program executed by a processor, comprising: when the processor receives data indicating that the user has voted on the result of the competition, storing in the memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; When the result of the vote is an incorrect answer, the amount of the first value to be awarded is set to be larger than when the result of the vote is an incorrect answer. program.

13. A program executed by a processor, comprising: when the processor receives data indicating that the user has voted on the result of the competition, storing in the memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; changing the amount of the first value based on the amount of value used for the vote that resulted in an unwinning vote; program.

14. A program executed by a processor, comprising: when the processor receives data indicating that the user has voted on the result of the competition, storing in the memory unit a first value to be assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user; When the processor receives data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a reward, the processor consumes the first value stored in the memory unit in association with the user's identifier, and stores a reward usable in a game different from the competition in association with the user's identifier in the memory unit; changing the amount of the first value to be awarded based on a difference between the amount of the value consumed for the vote and the amount of the dividend; program.

15. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, A processor included in the user terminal or the server computer, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; changing an amount of the first value provided based on an amount of a consumed third value usable for the vote; changing the amount of the benefit based on the amount of the first value consumed; controlling the game to be playable by consuming a predetermined amount of the reward; if the privilege stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier falls short of the predetermined amount, an amount of the third value necessary for the privilege to satisfy the predetermined amount is calculated, and the calculated amount of the third value is notified to the user. Information processing system.

16. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, A processor included in the user terminal or the server computer, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; When the result of the vote is an incorrect answer, the amount of the first value to be awarded is set to be larger than that when the result of the vote is an incorrect answer. Information processing system.

17. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, A processor included in the user terminal or the server computer, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; changing the amount of the first value based on the amount of value used for the vote that resulted in an unwinning vote; Information processing system.

18. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, A processor included in the user terminal or the server computer, When receiving data indicating that a user has voted on the result of the competition, storing a first value assigned to the user who has voted on the result of the competition in association with an identifier of the user in the storage unit; When receiving data indicating an instruction to convert the first value into a benefit, the first value stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier is consumed, and a benefit that can be used in a game different from the competition is stored in the storage unit in association with the user's identifier; changing the amount of the first value to be awarded based on a difference between the amount of the value consumed for the vote and the amount of the dividend; Information processing system.

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